A MAN who treated victims of the Bradford City Fire and set up a pioneering research unit is set to be remembered at a special service.

Bradford surgeon Professor David Sharpe OBE led the surgical response to the fire disaster on May 11, 1985, where 56 people lost their lives and more than 258 were injured.

He helped treat 25 burns victims in the immediate aftermath of the tragedy at Valley Parade and he and his team operated on more than 20 people in the first few hours.

 

A memorial service will be held at Bradford Cathedral on Monday, May 22, in honour of Prof Sharpe, who died in March aged 77. The service will begin at 1pm at the Stott Hill site and everyone is welcome to attend.

Ajay Mahajan, consultant plastic surgeon and director of research at PSBRU, tweeted the details of the memorial service for his predecessor, Prof Sharpe.

After the fire, Prof Sharpe then founded the Plastic Surgery and Burns Research Unit (PSBRU) at the University of Bradford, making the city a pioneer in the field of plastic surgery.

Following his retirement, he was thanked by the Bantams faithful at their last home game of the 2013/14 season, against Crawley Town.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Professor David Sharpe showing his Bantams colours in his tieProfessor David Sharpe showing his Bantams colours in his tie (Image: Bradford Burns Unit)

Prof Sharpe was remembered with a minute’s applause before Bradford City’s 3-2 win over Grimsby Town at Valley Parade on Saturday, April 1.

City tweeted pictures of its squad taking part in the minute’s applause on the pitch alongside City coaching staff and fans in the stands. The club tweeted: “Your incredible legacy will be here forever, David.”

He was honoured with an OBE in 1986 for his work in heading up the medical team treating the victims of the Valley Parade fire.

He was also awarded a Doctor of Science from the University of Bradford in 2011 for his work as an honorary professor at the university and as director of the burns unit.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Professor David Sharpe with then-Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, centre, at St Luke’s Hospital after the fire in 1985Professor David Sharpe with then-Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, centre, at St Luke’s Hospital after the fire in 1985 (Image: Newsquest)

Prof Sharpe continued to be a well-known figure in Bradford and attended the official opening of The Broadway shopping centre alongside then City manager Phil Parkinson.

Ryan Sparks, Bradford City chief executive officer, paid tribute to Prof Sharpe when his death was announced.

He said: “He played a vital role in the lives of so many people following the Valley Parade Fire Disaster, and helped hundreds recover from the tragedy.

“He leaves behind a wonderful legacy, and will be forever remembered by everyone connected to our club.”